A STUDY ON SCAMS IN SOCIAL MEDIA

Abstract

Social media platforms have become an essential part of communication, entertainment, education, and business activities in modern society. However, the increasing use of social networking sites has also led to a rise in online scams and cyber fraud. This study aims to examine the awareness, experiences, and perceptions of social media users regarding online scams and fraudulent activities. The objectives of the study are to identify common types of social media scams, understand the psychological techniques used by scammers, and analyze the level of cybersecurity awareness among users. The study adopted a descriptive survey method. Primary data were collected through a structured online questionnaire prepared using Google Forms. The sample consisted of 100 respondents residing in Chennai selected through convenience sampling. Secondary data were collected from journals, books, articles, and online sources related to cybersecurity and social media fraud. The collected data were analyzed using percentage analysis and descriptive interpretation. The findings revealed that a majority of respondents frequently encounter suspicious messages, fake investment schemes, phishing links, and fraudulent advertisements on social media platforms. Many users expressed concerns about clicking unknown links and regularly reviewing privacy settings to protect their accounts. The study also found that emotional manipulation and false trust are commonly used by scammers to deceive users. The research concludes that increasing cybersecurity awareness, digital literacy, stronger privacy measures, and user education are essential in reducing social media scams and creating a safer digital environment.